June 02, 2013

fall in love with fall out boy

It was the summer of 2005 when my older sister introduced me to Fall Out Boy. I was just 11 and she, (a whopping 13 years older than me), spent an entire summer home - the first time since she'd done her Bachelor's and Master's in the US - in between graduation and the start of her new job. It was this summer that she walked into "Just CDs", a local CD shop where all of my allowance disappeared to, and purchased (another) copy of From Under The Cork Tree.
Because she was 13 years older than me, N practically raised me. Shortly after she got her license, she adopted me as her "errand buddy" and I was forced to sit in the passenger seat while she got groceries, picked up and dropped my other siblings elsewhere and hung out with her friends. It was during these years that we began chanting Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears (it was a long time ago, don't judge!) lyrics, making up dances along the way.
So, when she returned for the summer of 2005, we picked up right where we left off, with Fall Out Boy's now-double platinum CD. To say we were obsessed would not be an exxageration. This was the summer we were convinced that Fall Out Boy were, and I quote, "modern day poets". Though she moved back to the US, and we never had another full summer like that one, every time we were together - driving anywhere - we would return to the trusty old FOB album (this time via iPods) and chant and sing as if we were at a concert.
When Fall Out Boy announced their "indefinite hiatus" in 2009, my heart broke. I never got the chance to see them in concert and I couldnt' have been more upset that my favorite band (in big contrast to the Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers and other pop nightmares I obsessed over) was breaking up. Various articles cited Patrick and Pete both stating that the band was never getting back together. So imagine my surprise on Monday February 4th when N called me in the middle of her work-day to inform me that FOB was officially back together and their song was phenomenal. I almost cried, I'm not even kidding. I was at lunch with my BQF and she could probably attest to my girlish squeals. Thus, "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)" was dropped, and Save Rock and Roll was announced, along with a worldwide tour starting this summer.
Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get tickets, but I'm still holding out hope for Mohegan in September! When Save Rock and Roll was finally released, it arrived safely to my iPhone (thanks to iTunes and pre-ordering), and I took a listen for the first time. It was a different sound, one I wasn't used to, but a mature one. The band had grown in so many ways, and their music reflected it. The best part of it all was that Fall Out Boy wrote on their website that Save Rock and Roll was secretly recorded for a year and a half - a secret I have no idea how they managed to keep hush-hush. The surprising choices for collaborations only add to the changed sound of the band, and to the awesomeness (that's not even a word, right?) that is Save Rock and Roll. With names like Big Sean, Courtney Love and Elton John starring on the album, SR&R is one that aims to please, and it does just that.
Here are some of my faves:

1) The Phoenix:

With Stump screaming "put on your war paint" as the song begins, with dramatic transitions and a catchy beat, The Phoenix is just the start I was expecting from FOB.
2) My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up):

Catchy, a little pop-punky and a great hook, this song was an obvious pick for their first single in true FOB style.
3) Alone Together:

This is one of their more pop-py songs on the album, and although I didn't love it at first, it's grown on me and added to my summer playlist.
4) Where Did The Party Go:

Another fave of mine - this one flows effortlessly with summer-y lyrics and a catchy beat.
5) Miss Missing You:

Another one that took me a few listens before I liked it, but with intense lyrics, this one is a winner. Seriously, take a listen to these lyrics. Classic FOB!
6) Save Rock and Roll:

The namesake of the album is just as good as I expected and with Elton John on this track, and some catchy lyrics ("in a world full of the word yes, I'm here to scream no!"). Plus how can you turn down Elton's voice? Ugh <3
So take a listen to Save Rock and Roll. It's a great one, and a big part of my summer playlist. Even FOB affectionately said in a blog post: "we made this music for ourselves and no one else at the end of the day. This is meant to be played loud, with the windows down on summer nights." And that it will be..
Luckily for you FOB lovers, my blogger friend and fellow HCBN member Naomi from Confessions of a Twenties Girl is having an amazing giveaway of two signed Fall Out Boy CDs from when she got to meet and interview them at her amazing summer internship. To enter, click here and follow the instructions. While you're there, be sure to follow her blog: she's phenomenal!
Save Rock and Roll is only here to show you that Fall Out Boy's back and better than ever!